A dead forest for The Trojan Women

Abstract

The stage design for the INDA production of The Trojan Women, directed by Muriel Mayette-Holtz in 2019, represents a trait d’union between the natural elements and the historical context of the Greek Theatre of Syracuse. It honors the void left by the ancient stage building, amplifying the power of the text through a silent dialogue between the timeless stones and the surrounding landscape. The scenographic choices dissolve the distinction between winners and losers, evoking a universal sense of loss and displacement. Presented in an era still defined by precarious normality, this theatrical project anticipates profound reflections on the fragility of peace, the tragedy of migration, and the harrowing futility of war. Through a multisensory narrative and a visually striking interpretation, The Trojan Women demonstrates its ability to bridge the past and the present, reminding us that theatre, at its core, is a space for reflection and social transformation.